Do’s After a Car Accident

Are you in Corpus Christi? Were you injured in an Auto accident?

Give Carabin Shaw a call. We can help. Call us at 361-444-1111, local if you’re in Corpus Christi.

An auto or vehicle accident can change someone’s life forever. In a serious vehicle accident, what happens afterwards can be both confusing and devastating. Even apparently minor vehicle accidents can quickly get very complicated if the other driver does not have insurance or claims to be injured. No one plans on being involved in a vehicle accident, but unfortunately thousands of us are involved in one every single day. If you have been in a car or personal truck accident, you really need to know what are the do’s after a car accident or a truck crash.

Always Stay at or by the Scene

Never ever leave the scene of a vehicle accident in which you were involved until the appropriate police have approved your leaving to go or until it’s otherwise appropriate to leave, such as to seek emergency medical care. You might have to face unfortunate consequences if you caused an accident but if you leave the scene too soon or without permission, the legal ramifications of being a hit-and-run driver are much worse and more expensive. They could result in some criminal penalties and even jail time. Check to make sure that everyone who was involved in the accident is okay and call 911 if anyone needs emergency medical help or appears injured. Stay at the accident scene until officials arrive to help. Try never to move an injured person. If someone is lying in the street or is in a vehicle and injured, divert traffic until the police or emergency medical help arrives. Moving someone who is injured can make his or her injuries worse. Always obey orders from official emergency personnel.

Don’t Admit any Fault

It is basic human nature to want to apologize after any car accident or to want say some words like, “I’m sure that was my fault.” Do not do this. If you do, you are admitting legal fault and putting yourself in a position in which you may get sued by other people involved in the accident. Always be polite, never lose your temper, also but never admit any fault or issue any apology in any way that makes it look like you are at fault or to blame for any accident. Both of you may be to blame. The other vehicle’s driver may have been driving while distracted or an unsafe condition in or on the road may have actually caused the accident, and none of the drivers may need to be found at fault.

Always Call the Police

If you are physically and mentally able, call the police as soon as possible after any vehicle accident. Even if the accident seemed minor, getting an official police report helps protect you from claims and liability. Fear of getting a ticket should never prevent you from seeking police help. Any ticket is minor compared to your chances of getting a claim made, getting sued or being sued by itself for failing to call help when a person suffers injury. Don’t use your own judgment to know if any crash is an emergency or not an emergency. Leave that to the well-trained safety professionals to figure out and call the police immediately.

After doing these “Do’s After A Car Accident” contact an attorney immediately.

Are you in Corpus Christi? Were you injured in an Auto accident?

Give Carabin Shaw a call. We can help. Call us at 361-444-1111, local if you’re in Corpus Christi.

---